Pastor's Blog

Greetings from Michigan.  We arrived late yesterday and had about enough time to get checked in, grab a bite to eat, and get to the wedding rehearsal.  I am on my way out the door for a breakfast meeting with some doctors and others related to the medical portion of GRACE Ministries in Guatemala.

Miss Jonell Barnes & James Davis were both “suppose” to come home from the hospital yesterday.  Miss Dottie Fore was moved from ICU to a room.

Today will be a busy day for me but tops on the list is the wedding at 6:30PM.  Doug Wiltjer & Michelle Grimley are a great young couple and I am honored that they have asked me to perform their wedding ceremony.  (This is #4 for me in Michigan and #5 is already on the books for 2011)  Pray that everything will go well and that God will be glorified through the service.

We are staying in a “green” hotel.  Al would be proud.  I even felt the urge to “hug a tree” yesterday afternoon.  The location is great according to Lisa & Daphne which means it is near shopping!

I pray that you will have a great Friday with Jesus.

Mark Harris will be with us this Sunday, 5/23, beginning at 6:00PM!

Miss Jonell Barnes was taken to the hospital yesterday afternoon.  When our evening service began, she had not been admitted but was waiting to get a room.  I don’t know a lot of the details but will update you as soon as we get them.

James Davis remains hospitalized as does Miss Dottie Fore (Barbara Kelley’s mother).  Julie McGath requested prayer last night for her father, Tommy Cole.  He injured his back and has been down for a couple of weeks.

Carla Kyser got great reports from the doctors yesterday but was not able to take another chemo treatment due to a sore in her mouth.  Lois Kirschenman was in our service last night and looked good and said she felt good.  Edd Gillespie’s spot was identified as a cyst and they will leave it be for the time being.

I don’t do birthdays (mine) at all.  Bro. Jerry & Miss Tena, along with an assist from Sherry, had a small party for me last night.  I appreciate it but it wasn’t necessary.  I did get some more cards and gifts and I am thankful.  I know that Jason Bowling was trying to make it down from Danville but he didn’t get enough notice.  Rumor has it that Jason, Willard, and Joe David are going to give me a zero turn mower – guys, you shouldn’t but thank you!

The Lakers set the Suns again last night – awesome!  They need to close this thing out in Phoenix.  Will they?  Probably not.  The Celtics & Magic don’t play again until Saturday night.  The Magic need to apply a little pressure.  Bro. Chris and his predictions!  I am posting this shortly after midnight and the Dodgers are losing 8 – 5 in the 7th.

Lisa, Daphne, Titus, & I leave early today bound for Grand Rapids, Michigan.  I have the privilege of performing the marriage ceremony for Doug Wiltjer & Michelle Grimley.  This has been on the books since early last Fall.  Doug & Michelle are tremendous supporters of GRACE Ministries.  We fly back on Saturday morning so it will be a very quick trip.

I plan on blogging tomorrow.  Don’t forget the Mark Harris evening of ministry this Sunday, 5/23.

I pray that you will have a great Thursday with Jesus.

James Davis was taken by ambulance to the hospital on Monday night.  He is in pretty tough shape as they have discovered that he has suffered at least two strokes.  When I visited yesterday the doctor had not been in to see him so I don’t know what the plan of action will be.  Pray for Imelda, Matt, Mark, Anna Carol, Brenda and the entire family as they help James through this time.

Today is a big day for the Class of 2010 at Alma Bryant High School as they graduate.  I think that ceremony begins at 1:00PM at the USA Mitchell Center.  Congratulations to all of the graduates especially those from the Friendship family.  We are proud of you!  I will try to attend that ceremony.

Today is a regular schedule for us with the morning service and the evening activities.  I ask that each member of the Friendship family be faithful to his/her place of service/worship.

So, I am going into the bank yesterday when I guy I have known for years but haven’t seen in several years says, “Happy 50th Birthday” which really caught me off guard.  He then says, “I saw your sign” and I’m thinking what sign?  Little did I know that someone had posted my birthday on the church sign.  Not a smooth move!

I do not like to have any attention on my birthday.  However, I received phone calls, text messages, e-mails, cards, e-cards and personal wishes from a lot of folks.  I even got a cake and several gifts.  (What I really need is $68,000 for that robot!)  I am not deserving of the many kindnesses bestowed upon me but I am very, very grateful for each one.  My lifelong friend, Ken James, from Rockyford called me – what a kind gesture.  Lisa & the girls went out of their way to make my day special.  Charles even shook my hand.  Didn’t get me anything (said something about the economy, social security, et cetera) but at least he shook my hand.  I am happy to share my date of birth with a number of folks including our son-in-law Brad.  (Oddly enough, Daphne shares the same date of birth as Brad’s dad – is that crazy or what?)  Soy?  Please don’t get me started!

LM4LM is underway but I haven’t had a chance to share the concept yet.  The details are coming!

Heard from Jack Ciak yesterday.  Thought he was dead but found out they only have one computer in the entire state of Arkansas so he had to wait his turn.

Mark Harris will be with us this Sunday evening!  Tell others and join us at 6:00PM for a great service.  Wes & Rebekah finish the revival services tonight so pray for them.  Pray for my pastor friend, Bob Harvey.

I pray that you will have a great Wednesday with Jesus.

I failed to mention Pattie Suthoff in yesterday’s post partly because I was “sure” she had been discharged from the hospital.  Can you believe I made a mistake?  So, I visited Pattie in the hospital under the assumption she would be there until this Sunday.  However, when I visited with her the doctor had just told her that she could go home.  She was one happy lady!  (As happy as a person can be considering she was going home to Bernard – LOL!)

Pattie told me that her grandson, Gage Hudson, is doing well as he tries to come off the steroids.  He will eventually go to Birmingham for a MRI as the doctors try to determine the next course of action.  Keep praying!

I spoke to Rita Vice & Anna Carol Bosarge via the phone last night.  Rita is doing well in her recovery and Anna Carol is getting there.

I don’t have any other updates but do ask that you pray for those who are battling cancer and recovering from surgery.

Mark Harris will be with us this Sunday evening for our 6:00PM service.  I am asking the members of the Friendship family to pray, attend, and bring others with you.

Yes, the Lakers set the Suns last night as Kobe stepped up!  The Dodgers ran their winning streak to 8 and that has been without Andre for the past three games.  It was a good night to a LA fan!

I need $68,000!  Why?  A Japanese firm has a robot for sale who can perform weddings.  I think “she” is called an “I Fairy” and she has already done at least one wedding in Japan.  All you need is her and someone about twenty feet away hiding behind a curtain giving her commands.  We don’t have a Japanese staff member but can you say Chinese Chris?  Davy & Ashley, meet I Fairy!  (By the way, since we are Baptist I will order a male robot.  Plus, I haven’t had much success telling a woman what to do up to this point in my life!)

Miss Betty Taylor delivered some homemade raisin bread to the house last week – awesome!  Then Karla Cooper shows up last night with a freshly baked cake – awesome II!  I appreciate these acts of kindness.

I pray that you will have a great Tuesday with Jesus!

Good Monday morning to all of our readers (all eight of you) in cyberspace.  God blessed and we had a good day in our services yesterday.  We welcome Billy Ray Baber into the Friendship family by transfer of letter.  We rejoiced as Pastor Johnny Howard of Azalea Baptist Church baptized his grandchildren, Kenny & Kaleigh Cooper, as a part of last night’s service.  God gives the increase and we give Him the glory!  We enjoyed the ministry of our children’s choir under the direction of Kathy Wadkins last night too.

I won’t bore you with the details but know that “murphy’s law” was in full effect yesterday but God still blessed and we are thankful!

Pray for Anna Carol Bosarge, Ruby Gulley, & Rita Vice as they recover from their respective surgeries of last week.  Pray for Vera Bosarge’s brother-in-law, Arthur McRoy, as he has been admitted to the hospital.  Pray for Karla Teasley Bosarge’s family as her maternal grandmother passed away this weekend.  Pray for Susan Quinn, Carla Kyser, Joyce Bosarge, Lois Kirschenman, Bill Abendroth and John Gensler in their respective battles against cancer.  Pray for Donnie Felps & Oscar Petersen as they recover from their heart surgeries.  Pray for Jayne English as she remains hospitalized.  Pray for Edd Gillespie as he will have a MRI on Wednesday.  Pray for Docia Thompson’s brother & sister and their respective health issues.

Wes & Rebekah Bates are in New York as Wes is preaching in revival services and Rebekah is singing.  They began last night and will continue through Wednesday night so pray for them.

I tried to tell Chris Taylor that the Magic had been off too long and it showed yesterday afternoon.  Wow, the Celtics looked like champions – will it last?  Here’s hoping the Lakers can set the Suns tonight.  Have I mentioned that I don’t like Steve Nash?  Have I mentioned that Steve Nash could care less about whether I like him or not?

Here is your NHL playoffs update –

Mark Harris will be our guest this Sunday evening at 6:00PM.  Pass the word and be present!

I pray that you will have a great Monday with Jesus.

As you know, I normally don’t post on the weekends.  My hero, Pastor Jack Bailey, posts every day and I do aspire to be like him but I am simply not there yet.  What a man!

Anna Carol should come home today.  Gena Davis e-mailed last night and said that Gene is at home but has an open wound she is having to treat daily.  If he is not well behaved, this is Gena’s chance to get Gene good i.e. salt in the wound!  Eula Mae e-mailed earlier to say that the treatments have really knocked Susan for a loop as far as being wiped out physically.  Got word from Vera Bosarge that Karla Teasley’s (Bosarge) maternal grandmother in New York passed away last night.

I arrived home late, but safe, last night.  I thank the Lord for His protection.  It was good to spend yesterday morning listening to Pastor Ryan Johnston share from the Word.  Pray for the team from Faith as they minister this week.

Soy was sitting in Louise’s lap yesterday morning holding his silky and eating a cup of Fruit Loops – he seemed okay!  He didn’t even cry when I left.

I missed my Friday of grass cutting so Charles has already called “wondering” if I was going to do any grass cutting today?

I pray that you will have a great Saturday with Jesus.  Friendship family – don’t forget the graduate recognition in the 10:30AM service tomorrow and the children’s choir musical tomorrow night.

Anna Carol Bosarge is having surgery today.  Bro. Kerry is going to pray with her and be with the family.  Pray for Anna Carol and for the doctors involved in this procedure.

Pattie Suthoff & Ruby Gulley are both doing better and could possibly be discharged from the hospital today but more likely tomorrow.  Jennifer Davis and her children are all “ok” with Abby having eight stitches in her forehead.  I don’t have an update on any of the folks taking treatments but I am taking the  “no news is good news” position.

Ryan Johnston and a team from Faith Baptist Church of Bartlett, TN arrived safely yesterday afternoon.  I was a little concerned as one of their team members arrived wearing a bright orange cap with a “T” on it and it wasn’t for Texas.  He was promptly dismissed from the property – LOL!  Folks, the family at Faith of Bartlett are great supporters of GRACE Ministries.  We are in their annual budget and this team is the first of three teams they will send to Guatemala this summer.  I appreciate Pastor Danny, Pastor Todd, Pastor Ryan, Pastor David, Bret (he ain’t no pastor), and the many members of Faith for their prayers and support.   Thanks to Deidra for going to Mid America Seminary and introducing us to these fine folks!

Yesterday was a long day in the city but the Lord blessed our efforts.  I appreciate Dr. Tico giving up his day to help GRACE Ministries.  What a great friend of GRACE!

Soy was “clingy” all day yesterday as he knows I am leaving today.  I left for the city early yesterday morning before he realized what had happened.  However, upon my return, he never let me out of his sight!  I did buy him some Fruit Loops as a trade for him not crying today when I leave – we’ll see!

I would say the one they call “king” has been dethroned but he truthfully has never been on the throne by winning a NBA championship.  Thanks goes to the Celtics for a job well done.  Can they beat the Magic?  I don’t think so but time will tell.

I pray that you will have a great Friday with Jesus.

I am sorry this entry is late but we did not have an internet connection at the mission house last night.  I am sitting in a restaurant, San Martin, in Guatemala City with Dr. Tico Vargas as we are about to go into a meeting with the lawyer who represents GRACE Ministries in Guatemala.

Ruby Gulley did well through her surgery as they removed a rod and found no infection.  However, the nurse found her unresponsive last night but they were able to get her stabilized.

Jennifer Davis and her children were involved in an automobile accident yesterday afternoon and were all taken to the hospital with injuries although I don’t think any were serious.

As far as I know, Rita Vice came home from the hospital yesterday morning.  Lois continues her radiation treatments.  Anna Carol has surgery tomorrow.

Yesterday was a busy day for me as I was involved in four or five meetings.  It was a good day and I am grateful for the Lord’s blessings.

The Capshaw team leaves today and they signed up last night for next year.  What a blessing!

Go Celtics!

I pray that you will have a great Thursday with Jesus.

Rita Vice did well through her surgery and should come home from the hospital today.  I appreciate Bro. Kerry being there in my absence.  Ruby Gulley will have surgery today.  This is related to her accident from several years ago.  I am not sure if they are removing rods, pins, et cetera or if they are adjusting them.

Pattie Suthoff has a blood clot and the doctors feel this is the source of her elevated temperature.  She will be hospitalized until she is free of an elevated temp.

I don’t have any updates on any of the others.  I do know that Anna Carol Bosarge is having surgery on Friday.

The trip to Guatemala yesterday was uneventful.  I was traveling with about 1,500 screws and two drills.  Customs checked me in Guatemala and wanted to know the value of those items.  I told them and they then told me that I wasn’t going to have to pay any taxes but that I would have to get a special “stamped” paper and a stamp in my passport (they love to stamp things here).

I was able to spend some time with the team from Capshaw Baptist from Huntsville, AL last night.  They are a very laid back group.  Terry Nichols is on the team and he is a friend from years gone by so it was great seeing him.  They finish today with with a trip to Amor del Nino and then to Casa Aleluya.

Go green!  No, I am not a tree hugger and I am not a Celtics fan.  However, the thoughts of the Celtics eliminating the Cavs from the playoffs is great!  They need to finish the job in Boston on Thursday night.  Meanwhile, the Magic waits which could hurt them because they were so hot!

I pray that you will have a great Wednesday with Jesus.

This entry is late and apologize but I am traveling today.  Presently, I am sitting in the Atlanta airport and will soon board a flight bound for Guatemala.  I am scheduled to return home on Friday but the next three days will be filled with meetings as we make some changes in our GRACE Ministries Association board; I meet with the seminary administrative council to discuss this year’s pastors’ conference, and meet with our staff members/summer help.  I left Pensacola at 5:30AM today and ask that you pray for me as I travel.

Faith Hovel came home from the hospital yesterday!  Hallelujah!  I know that Josh, Desi, Gabriel, Bro. Jerry, Tena, Helen, Charles, Catina and all of the family are elated.

Rita Vice will have surgery this afternoon.  With women, I don’t ask and they don’t tell!  PTL!

Bro. Kerry visited with Pattie Suthoff yesterday but I didn’t get an update from him.  Keep praying!

Lois is taking her radiation treatments.  Carla, Bill, Miss Joyce & Susan continue their battles against cancer.

Gena Davis sent me an e-mail to say that Gene is in the hospital with a staph infection.  It is in his knee & ankle.  Pray for Gene.

The “old men” were joined by some younger guys yesterday and they got Phase IV off to a great start yesterday morning.  Sammy & Sid will do some electrical work today.  Tony & a team will work tonight.  When I return, we are going to “hit it hard” to finish the upstairs by the end of May.  Again, thanks to everyone who has helped and remember that clean up is always needed.

FYI – staff member Chris Taylor hit me with a massive piece of wood yesterday.  A lesser man would have been out for weeks but I just kept working.  I am just trying to figure out if was intentional or not?  Any opinions?

Bobby Broome felt sorry for me yesterday and allowed me to use his tiller to plow Deidra’s garden.  A huge “thank you” goes to Bobby for his kindness to me.  Deidra & Rita were using hoes to cultivate it was going to take a long time even though it is a small garden.  Deidra has done a good job on his first attempt at growing a garden.

The Lakers took the broom to Salt Lake last night.  Again, the Magic are hot as fire!  Can they beat the Cavs/Celtics in the conference finals?  I hope the Lakers make the Suns set early!  I am very fond of many folks from Canada but Steve Nash is not in that number.

MARK HARRIS will be our guest on Sunday evening, 5/23.  This is one you don’t want to miss!  Pass the word!

I think I may have my message for next year’s Mother Day.  I will preach on the ABC’s of motherhood using the Syrophenician woman as my example!

Lord willing, I will be blogging each day from Guatemala.  It will be under the Pastor’s blog and not the GRACE blog.

Okay, why am I really going to Guatemala?  Soy!  He misses me!  He called crying and said the team members are not treating him fairly and wanted me to come see him.  He says that Louise just can’t tell “The Three Bears” like I can so he is not going to sleep as quickly.  Plus, he left his “silky” at home and wanted me to bring it to him.   What will we do for our sons-in-law?

I pray that you will have a great Tuesday with Jesus.

P.S. – Great post yesterday, JD!